I can't claim to be prescient, but years ago I stopped bothering with public toilet "hand dryers" that blow air to supposedly provide a better alternative to paper towels. They just annoy me--mostly a waste of time in my opinion. If paper towels aren't available, I tend to dry my hands on my clothing and hair (which admittedly isn't an ideal alternative). I also try to avoid directly touching the door with my hands on the way out. This article gives me one more reason to skip those blowers.
"Study Shows Hand Dryers Spray Poop on You" |
Nerdist (https://nerdist.com/hand-dryers-spray-poop-feces-bacteria)
QuoteFor decades, hand dryers have been presented as an environmentally and hygienically friendly way to remove water and bacteria after washing hands with soap. But while it seems like a good idea in theory, hand dryers may actually increase the spread of bacteria on skin and clothing. Previous studies have come to similar conclusions, but the latest research may be enough to give even the most ardent hand dryer supporters reasons to avoid them.
Via Boing Boing, researchers at the University of Connecticut published a study (http://aem.asm.org/content/84/8/e00044-18.abstract) which confirmed hand dryers draw in "potentially infectious microbes" and spread them when activated. Even the low-powered hand dryers used in the study were prone to gathering fecal material and bacteria from from the air and blasting them on unsuspecting users.
How does it happen? Even the cleanest public restrooms are rarely hygienic environments. But the biggest issue comes from flushing toilets without lids. The flushes often send fecal material in the air, which are subsequently sucked in and pushed out by the active hand dryers. It should be noted hand dryers with HEPA filters can cut down on the intake of harmful particles and other unwanted objects in the air. But it doesn't fully eliminate them.
Unfortunately, moist hands and skin are an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, especially if the users don't realize what's happening. Many public restrooms don't even offer paper towels as an alternative, leaving the hand dryers the only option. It's almost enough to make us start carrying our own towels around.
:eeew:
I still use the driers but always carry a little bottle of cleansing gel as well. It long ago occurred to me that the air those machines blew over my hands had to be laden with bugs. And I have seen some in sore need of gikter coeaning. Also, had everyone who used the door handle washed their hands? So after leaving "the convenience" I use the gel, especially if I am about to buy a lunchtime bagette.
(Then try not to get "obssesive cleaning disorder" because the gel bottle is now "dirty"!)
Ugh! :eeew:
:puke:
:sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning: :sweeping: :cleaning:
When you go to a restaurant or pub, in spite of your clean hands they will become contaminated before your food arrives. The filthiest item at your table is the menu that the server hands to you. The next most dangerous items are the salt and pepper shaker or the condiment container. Yuuck!
But imagine what kind of microvermin might be on the chair where your ass is planted.
Well...
Isn't this a cheery thread!
I've avoided the hand dryers for a while. Idiots rinse their hands without soap, then use the dryer.
I also wait until the menu is gone, then use a bit of Purel.
Many humans are completely unconscious about where their hands go (horror stories a-plenty!)
Quote from: Icarus on April 14, 2018, 12:19:24 AM
But imagine what kind of microvermin might be on the chair where your ass is planted.
No. Nope. Nuh uh.
(https://scontent.fpoa13-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30657075_1295871527210541_5129865087399356142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeHMNMsPT-_GO7Ysxg2Sz2v1tHBAtgZoQ2o6kPi9oCnGjLy8DNKJuBpIydmXi9CSj3ghR0WwXaELGr1k7YayoJC7lICDQRMarPchpFFK7KzrJA&oh=c126c67baa6188b3039eb834e96d7a34&oe=5B2A5BC5)
^
But, surely, without the vast majority of those, the gut flora, you would die!
Quote from: Dave on April 14, 2018, 06:22:53 AM
^
But, surely, without the vast majority of those, the gut flora, you would die!
One could take the position that hand blow driers in public toilets are a good thing--recurrent fecal microbiota transplant therapy, free of charge. :lol:
Quote from: Recusant on April 14, 2018, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: Dave on April 14, 2018, 06:22:53 AM
^
But, surely, without the vast majority of those, the gut flora, you would die!
One could take the position that hand blow driers in public toilets are a good thing--recurrent fecal microbiota transplant therapy, free of charge. :lol:
Yeah, but one person's happy-friendly gut flora is another's serious diarrhea - or worse!
Quote from: Icarus on April 14, 2018, 12:19:24 AM
When you go to a restaurant or pub, in spite of your clean hands they will become contaminated before your food arrives. The filthiest item at your table is the menu that the server hands to you. The next most dangerous items are the salt and pepper shaker or the condiment container. Yuuck!
Yes this could be a problem, that's why I only go to fancy restaurants that provide cutlery.
Quote from: Icarus on April 14, 2018, 12:19:24 AM
But imagine what kind of microvermin might be on the chair where your ass is planted.
No don't, it's better if you don't.
OCD will do you more harm.
If you must think:
Microvermin make me STRONG!
Quote from: Dave on April 14, 2018, 06:22:53 AM
^
But, surely, without the vast majority of those, the gut flora, you would die!
Yes, but I'd rather not think of them. :unsure:
We're freaking ecosystems.
As marines are taught, 40% of what you dump is perfectly reusable protein!
Quote from: Dave on April 14, 2018, 03:20:55 PM
As marines are taught, 40% of what you dump is perfectly reusable protein!
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/VSIebRjpVV5oQ/200.gif)
Good thing I don't really use public restrooms!
I remember my former workplace was forcing usage of the hand driers by removing the paper towels. However, they never did that in the family bathroom, which I used anyway, so I wasn't effected.
Quote from: Icarus on April 14, 2018, 12:19:24 AM
...
But imagine what kind of microvermin might be on the chair where your ass is planted.
I have no problem with this. My farts kill all known germs!
Bit of a tangent here, but there was a brilliant programme on Radio 4 called, The Second Genome, all about fecal transplants but it also talked about the effects of our bowel contents on the body as a whole. First of a three-part series at 11 am on Tuesdays.
Quote from: Essie Mae on April 15, 2018, 01:28:56 PM
Bit of a tangent here, but there was a brilliant programme on Radio 4 called, The Second Genome, all about fecal transplants but it also talked about the effects of our bowel contents on the body as a whole. First of a three-part series at 11 am on Tuesdays.
Here's the link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09yddx5#play
Listening to it now, as I sip my mint tea which, over the past 3 years, seems to have stopped my bowels, and their flora, from getting irritable.
Quote from: Dave on April 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PMListening to it now, as I sip my mint tea which, over the past 3 years, seems to have stopped my bowels, and their flora, from getting irritable.
How much do you drink and what type?
I've been drinking mint tea for a month or so, and so far haven't seen much improvement. =/ I've been drinking a peppermint/spearmint combo tea.
Quote from: Harmonie on April 15, 2018, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: Dave on April 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PMListening to it now, as I sip my mint tea which, over the past 3 years, seems to have stopped my bowels, and their flora, from getting irritable.
How much do you drink and what type?
I've been drinking mint tea for a month or so, and so far haven't seen much improvement. =/ I've been drinking a peppermint/spearmint combo tea.
I drink Twining's pure mint, almost exclusively, I only drink ordinary tea or coffee when out. Oh, excluding my evening hot choc! I probably drink 6 to 8 mugs a day. I cannot remember how long it took before I was confident of its effect, it could be classed as a "herbal remedy" and such typically take months to work. I have also been free of almost every other gut problem, indigestion etc. Just wish it could cure the anti-social effects of onions and chickpeas on me - I love falafels!
And after listening to that broadcast I might just diversify my intake back to some of the gas makers.
At one point I did not dare leave the house in the morning without going to the loo twice, preferably three times, and I had to research the availability of publicly accessible loos everywhere I went! Not yet searchable items on Google Maps so far as I know . . .
Quote from: Dave on April 15, 2018, 03:13:47 PM
Quote from: Harmonie on April 15, 2018, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: Dave on April 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PMListening to it now, as I sip my mint tea which, over the past 3 years, seems to have stopped my bowels, and their flora, from getting irritable.
How much do you drink and what type?
I've been drinking mint tea for a month or so, and so far haven't seen much improvement. =/ I've been drinking a peppermint/spearmint combo tea.
I drink Twining's pure mint, almost exclusively, I only drink ordinary tea or coffee when out. Oh, excluding my evening hot choc! I probably drink 6 to 8 mugs a day. I cannot remember how long it took before I was confident of its effect, it could be classed as a "herbal remedy" and such typically take months to work. I have also been free of almost every other gut problem, indigestion etc. Just wish it could cure the anti-social effects of onions and chickpeas on me - I love falafels!
And after listening to that broadcast I might just diversify my intake back to some of the gas makers.
At one point I did not dare leave the house in the morning without going to the loo twice, preferably three times, and I had to research the availability of publicly accessible loos everywhere I went! Not yet searchable items on Google Maps so far as I know . . .
Wow, 6-8 cups a day! :o
My main beverage of choice is unsweetened sparkling water. For my tea I've pretty much only been making room for one cup in the evenings close to when I go to bed. There was a time where I was drinking two a day, sometime in the morning, but a busy schedule has left me with less time to drink anything altogether. Thursday and Friday I didn't have any tea at all. D: (Thursday I was almost never home, and had a very long rehearsal with no time to go back, so I didn't drink anything at all to avoid needing to use public restrooms).
It's a bit odd, but the reason I started drinking this tea was because I heard that spearmint could reduce libido and I'd rather not have any of that. However, I've certainly been having all kinds of digestion issues since about 2013, perhaps even earlier. Doctors I talked to told me to stop drinking so much pop, and that's one reason I ended up switching to water/sparkling water. However, things have not gotten much better in the two years since I've made that switch.
I'm really sick and tired of having these issues. I probably just need to suck it up and actually specifically go to a doctor for this, instead of just mentioning it in passing. But I don't want to go to a doctor about
that! :blush: If increasing how much tea I drink would help that I'm certainly all for it! Although, again, I just have such a narrow schedule to really fit it in.
Quote from: Harmonie on April 15, 2018, 03:56:02 PM
Quote from: Dave on April 15, 2018, 03:13:47 PM
Quote from: Harmonie on April 15, 2018, 02:51:20 PM
Quote from: Dave on April 15, 2018, 02:32:02 PMListening to it now, as I sip my mint tea which, over the past 3 years, seems to have stopped my bowels, and their flora, from getting irritable.
How much do you drink and what type?
I've been drinking mint tea for a month or so, and so far haven't seen much improvement. =/ I've been drinking a peppermint/spearmint combo tea.
I drink Twining's pure mint, almost exclusively, I only drink ordinary tea or coffee when out. Oh, excluding my evening hot choc! I probably drink 6 to 8 mugs a day. I cannot remember how long it took before I was confident of its effect, it could be classed as a "herbal remedy" and such typically take months to work. I have also been free of almost every other gut problem, indigestion etc. Just wish it could cure the anti-social effects of onions and chickpeas on me - I love falafels!
And after listening to that broadcast I might just diversify my intake back to some of the gas makers.
At one point I did not dare leave the house in the morning without going to the loo twice, preferably three times, and I had to research the availability of publicly accessible loos everywhere I went! Not yet searchable items on Google Maps so far as I know . . .
Wow, 6-8 cups a day! :o
My main beverage of choice is unsweetened sparkling water. For my tea I've pretty much only been making room for one cup in the evenings close to when I go to bed. There was a time where I was drinking two a day, sometime in the morning, but a busy schedule has left me with less time to drink anything altogether. Thursday and Friday I didn't have any tea at all. D: (Thursday I was almost never home, and had a very long rehearsal with no time to go back, so I didn't drink anything at all to avoid needing to use public restrooms).
It's a bit odd, but the reason I started drinking this tea was because I heard that spearmint could reduce libido and I'd rather not have any of that. However, I've certainly been having all kinds of digestion issues since about 2013, perhaps even earlier. Doctors I talked to told me to stop drinking so much pop, and that's one reason I ended up switching to water/sparkling water. However, things have not gotten much better in the two years since I've made that switch.
I'm really sick and tired of having these issues. I probably just need to suck it up and actually specifically go to a doctor for this, instead of just mentioning it in passing. But I don't want to go to a doctor about that! :blush: If increasing how much tea I drink would help that I'm certainly all for it! Although, again, I just have such a narrow schedule to really fit it in.
Sorry to hear all that Harmonie. That sparkling water worries me though; I heard that carbonated drinks leach the calcium from the bones, possibly contributing to osteoporosis. Might be worth a few momemts' research. Also, don't be put off visiting doctor about 'that'. They're not embarrassed and they might have further help or suggestions. All the best.
^I'm sure there are negative effects of sparkling water, but my mom has also warned me of drinking too much of the mint tea because it might hurt my kidneys, I've seen that said elsewhere as well. So no matter what I drink, I'm hurting myself, right? I'm just happy I came out of the more harmful pop addiction I had for pretty much my entire life up to a couple of years ago.
I have so much I need to go to the doctor for. D: But this one is just so embarrassing to talk about. It took me everything to get me to talk about it with the people I did. But we've really gone off-topic here.
Quote from: Harmonie on April 15, 2018, 07:09:27 PM
^I'm sure there are negative effects of sparkling water, but my mom has also warned me of drinking too much of the mint tea because it might hurt my kidneys, I've seen that said elsewhere as well. So no matter what I drink, I'm hurting myself, right? I'm just happy I came out of the more harmful pop addiction I had for pretty much my entire life up to a couple of years ago.
I have so much I need to go to the doctor for. D: But this one is just so embarrassing to talk about. It took me everything to get me to talk about it with the people I did. But we've really gone off-topic here.
Yeah, sorry about that; partly down to me. Going back on topic; we're always being told about the number of microbes on door handles, keyboards, mobile phones and menus etc, but surely if we were that defenceless, we'd all be ill all the time. I wash my hands more to avoid cold germs than anything else. Also, I not only a void touching the door handle with bare skin, I also avoid touching the tap; I use a tissue to turn it off.
History 101: Waaaay back in the day when I worked as a design engineer, my extensive drawings were done with a pencil on vellum paper. Vellum is a type of paper that is durable, accepts pencil lead readily and works well in the Ozalid machine that makes blueprints. Aaaah yes....them wuz the days. CAD drawing was not even a daydream then. Computers did not exist, so, cad drawing could not be. It was pencil and paper. Because pencils make graphite dust, your hands would become smeared with it. Therefore you were obliged to wash hands very frequently to avoid smearing your beautiful drawings. I can immodestly state that I was a prize winning draftsman and I damned sure did not let my drawings become smeared with graphite powder. Lots of hand washing was the resultant requirement.
The hand washing thing became an ingrained habit. It never left me and I still wash my hands many times a day whether they need it or not. I reckon I am a kook about this particular exercise in hygiene. Not really a kook just a creature of habit................I am also a kook about washing my hands after I order my meal from the restaurant.
Whether that habit, or compulsion, contributed to my longevity is a matter for considered inquiry. For sure I have been one of the premier customers for soap makers. ....and yes indeed I do not let the water run in the wash basis while I lather my hands. Call me a tree hugger or at least a water conservationist.
Do you have a special place for storing your "scum bag"? :D Nothing like inking in a drawing after you're through with the pencil(s). I still have a table that I can make an "E" size sheet drawing on (though my wife uses it to do quilting on, now), T-square, a bucket of French curves, architect's scale, etc. I even have some old log-log and semi-log graph paper from those days. I'm 65 and retired, now. Most of my work in the last 15 years was electronic drawings. Nothing like making an orthographic drawing and being able to import it into CNC machine code. Minor adjustments, and turn the machine loose! Costs went WAY down, which was important, because I made specialty tools that were in the production run size of 12, in some cases.
Oh, yeah, on the filthy fingers of the OP, nice to know that!
I had a special little shelf, within easy reach, under my drawing board. The scum bag lived there.
I am one of the ancients. I still have a nice drawing board in my garage that has a "drafting machine" mounted the old fashioned way. I have triangles, various templates, french curves, and a log log decitrig, K&E slide rule. I still have my electric eraser that works as well as ever., and also a whole lot of architect and engineers scales and a n intact set of K&E ink instruments. I never use the slide rule but I still have respect for it. My Casio or TI calculator is a better deal. I do still use the drawing board and the other tools to dash off a transient mindfart drawing. I have a perfectly good Turbo Cad, and also a Mathcad program on the garage computer, but alas old fools like me still cling to the old fashioned ways. One of the cherished books on the shelf is Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers paired with the Machinery Handbook.
I draw boats often. I have some skill with boat design and I stubbornly use the pencil, pad, and calculator to do the essential math. It would be faster and easier to do it with a spread sheet or with the Mathcad program. I do the calculations the hard way as a calisthenic exercise for my aged brain. It is fun actually.